POL337Y1Y L0101
The Canadian Constitution
Themes
A comprehensive examination of the main philosophical, political, and legal issues relating to Canada's constitution. Among the issues the course examines are: the political, moral, and historical foundations of the Canadian constitution; fundamentals of federalism and the separation of powers in Canada; the roots and legacies of the Constitution Act 1867, and the Constitution Act 1982; the politics of constitutional reform; the Supreme Court of Canada; judicial interpretation of the constitution in general, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in particular constitutional litigation and social change; legislative-judicial relations and the judicialization of politics in contemporary Canada. Throughout the course, the Canadian constitution will be examined through a comparative perspective, emphasizing Canada's unique constitutional legacy while also attempting to put the series of dramatic constitutional events that have taken place in Canada over the past decades in a broader context of similar developments that have taken place in other polities.
Texts
TBA
Format and Requirements
One two-hour lecture per week. Course requirements TBA.
Prerequisites
POL214Y1 or POL214Y5 or POLB50Y3 or POL224Y1